[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[May 7, 1991]
[Pages 481-483]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters Following Discussions With 
President Mauno Koivisto of Finland
May 7, 1991

    President Bush. President Koivisto, welcome again to the United 
States. It's a pleasure to try to return the hospitality you showed 
President Gorbachev and me in Helsinki last September. And we're very 
grateful for that hospitality, and I'd like to think that meeting was 
very constructive.
    Our meeting today was only the latest of many exchanges that we have 
shared. It's been nearly a decade since you and I first met. Today, as 
always, I greatly value your view on world events and your efforts over 
many years to build the excellent relationship between the United States 
and Finland.
    This visit, albeit very brief, gave me an opportunity to thank you 
personally for Finland's constructive policy in the Middle East. Your 
country's strong leadership in the U.N. Security Council and the Iraqi 
Sanctions Committee last fall and your generous aid to the people 
suffering from Iraqi oppression represent Finland's fine tradition of 
active partnership in the community of nations.
    This sense of responsibility led Finland, within a year of its 
admission to the U.N., to serve as part of the U.N. Emergency Force in 
1956 following the Suez crisis. Finns have served bravely in virtually 
every peacekeeping force since then, contributing more troops than any 
other country. Your

[[Page 482]]

nation continues this proud tradition in the current U.N. observer force 
in Kuwait and Iraq.
    Finland and the United States enjoy a long and healthy trade 
relationship. Today, we touched on some new economic issues, including 
the advantages that could come from a Finnish purchase of our advanced 
aircraft. Let it be said in fairness that you made a pitch to us on 
several items that might benefit Finland trade, so this was a mutual 
exchange. We also discussed the new Europe, from economic integration to 
arms control, from new challenges to the CSCE to the continuing role of 
NATO in European security.
    The United States and Finland share a deep interest in events in the 
Soviet Union. I've always valued the opportunity to exchange views with 
President Koivisto, who is a knowledgeable, an expert, a most perceptive 
observer of the U.S.S.R.
    We discussed the very complex situation in the Baltic States. And I 
reaffirmed the policy of the United States to support a process of 
change through constructive and fair negotiations. We agreed on the 
inadmissibility of the use of force and the importance of pragmatism by 
all parties in the search for a solution to this problem of the Baltics.
    The United States and Finland will continue to support the process 
of reform in the U.S.S.R. which was initiated by President Gorbachev. We 
want to see that process continue. We want to see it strengthened. And 
we will be ready to assist the Soviet and Republic governments in 
attaining the twin goals of democratization and market economic reform.
    Finally, we discussed another issue of major importance to both of 
our countries: the transition to free markets and liberal political 
systems by the new democracies of Eastern Europe. We are determined to 
make every effort to assist them in their historic quest to remake 
themselves and find a place in the new Europe. This must be a priority 
for all Western countries.
    As democratic peoples, Finns and Americans share many special bonds 
of friendship. Finns have long added to the American experience. Mr. 
President, your countrymen were among the first to settle in this 
country 350 years ago, establishing new lives in the Delaware River 
Valley. Over a century later, John Morton, a Finnish-American delegate 
to our Continental Congress, cast the deciding vote for our Declaration 
of Independence.
    The ideals that led him--liberty and self-government--remain dear to 
both our nations. Just look to Philadelphia, 1776, and Helsinki, 1917. 
And since that time we've enjoyed over 70 years of warm diplomatic 
relations. And I look forward to continuing this friendship.
    May God bless the people of Finland and the United States. Thank 
you, sir.
    President Koivisto. Mr. President: Let me first thank you, Mr. 
President, for the excellent hospitality extended to me and my party 
here in Washington. We enjoyed our stay very much. It was also a great 
pleasure to meet you again and exchange views on the changing world 
situation.
    When we last met in Helsinki in September at the American-Soviet 
top-level meeting on the Persian Gulf, the world was facing a direct 
challenge to the rule of law. The Iraqi aggression was repelled by the 
coalition. Kuwait is now free. Finland faced her responsibility in the 
United Nations Security Council in its decision to thwart the 
aggression. And now work must continue to build a new, equitable world.
    Finland and the United States are different in many ways, yet we 
share the same values of freedom, democracy, justice, and human rights. 
We both want to see the world based on these fundamental principles. But 
principles are not enough. The economic, social, and the ecological 
problems can only be overcome through determined international 
cooperation.
    For Finland, developments in Europe and particularly in our vicinity 
are of vital importance. While we must encourage progress everywhere 
towards our shared values, we must at the same time maintain stability. 
Reform efforts in Eastern Europe, including the Soviet Union, now need 
our support. With the cold war behind us, no new devices must be drawn, 
but avenues of cooperation be opened for all.
    We have also discussed the role of institutions which would promote 
stability and

[[Page 483]]

change in Europe. One of them is the CSCE or the Helsinki process. I 
have invited President Bush and the other 32 leaders of Europe and North 
America to Helsinki for the next CSCE followup meeting due to begin in 
March 1992.
    Mr. President, the review of our bilateral agenda showed that our 
relations are, indeed, in excellent shape. There is mutual appreciation 
and recognition of our respected roles in world affairs. There are long-
standing bonds of friendship between our people. And there are good 
prospects for expanding the Finnish-American partnership.
    I shall leave Washington with warm sentiments about our old and 
steady friendship. I hope to see you, Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, again 
in Finland in the not too distant future.
    President Bush. Thank you, sir.
    Q. Mr. President, you sounded a little hoarse. Are you all right?
    President Bush. Yes, just fine.
    Q. Have you got a cold?
    President Bush. Talking too much. No, I don't think so.
    Q. Mr. President, do you have anything from the meeting today 
between Gorbachev and Ambassador Matlock? It seemed like it went well.
    President Bush. What was that?
    Q. CFE. Matlock met with Gorbachev today, and the initial reports 
were positive.
    President Bush. We haven't got it yet over here.

                    Note: President Bush spoke at 1:30 p.m. at the South 
                        Portico of the White House. In his remarks, he 
                        referred to President Mikhail Gorbachev of the 
                        Soviet Union and Jack Matlock, U.S. Ambassador 
                        to the Soviet Union. Prior to their remarks, the 
                        two Presidents met privately in the Oval Office 
                        and with U.S. and Finnish officials in the 
                        Cabinet Room, and then attended a luncheon in 
                        the Old Family Dining Room.